Christmas Eve-Day

Because we had school through Wed.

this mom was just too busy to squeeze

this in any time before. So Christmas Eve day we made

gingerbread houses and christmas cookies.

It was a big messy afternoon, but it wouldn't be

Christmas without these traditions!

Our Christmas Eve program included:

lots of music (both spiritual and not-so-much)

The New Video-A Gift to the World, our

reinactment of the Nativity (wasn't the

greatest this year, but its all about tradition, right)

reading of "Teach the Children", our favorite story

and CD "God Bless your Way", our Gifts to

Jesus-White Stocking. After we gave our gifts

to Jesus, the kids got to open one gift...new jammies.

Another of our favorites on Christmas is watching

Mr. Krueger's christmas.

Then we had to get ready for Santa's arrival

and sprinkle reindeer food

and leave a note, cookies and egg nog for Santa

(the other note is his note in return).

The kids all went to sleep very easily,

so mom could make some last minute

preparations.

The kids were happy with what they got,

especially there $$ from Grandma and Grandpa Asplund.

It was easier for me to just give them the

money this year, and let them choose what they

want rather than me take more time and TRY and

guess something for each of them.

(I suggested tonight they spend some

AND then save some)

Thankfully Nalu slept through most of the present opening

and we got him up when we were finishing up.

That way he wouldn't be ripping into everyone else's

and we could just focus in him at that point!

I told him to smile and so he folded his arms

and said CHEESE! A little mixed up but oh well?!

Give me all YOUR candy and I am one happy boy!

The kids all dressed up for church.

Ame and Quinn are in the choir and

we had a wonderful, spirit-filled program.

I missed the beginning because, right as

sacrament started Nalu fell and bit his lip real

bad! I hurried to the restroom to try and stop

the bleeding. You can still see the teeth marks.

It bled a ton!! He cried soo much he tired himself out

and slept through the program. Poor little guy!

But at lesat I didn't have to wrestle him.

I didn't get any pictures, but I made my first attempt

at making a turkey dinner and felt pretty good about

the results. Definitely room for improvement,

but nothing burned and everyone seemed satisified.

Quinn' s mom and step-dad came to our ward

and stayed the afternoon with us. Frankie

is always soo helpful, cleaning my house and

just lending an extra hand. We ate and just

hung out, watched the kids play/fight over their new toys.

It was a fairly relaxing day and I think,

at least for part of the day, everyones hearts and focus were

in the RIGHT PLACE!

I am thankful this Christmas Season for the peace

and spirit I have felt. I am soo thankful for my

Savior. For his sacrifice, his love and perfect example.

I am thankful to have a knowledge of HIM and know

of his LOVE for me. It has carried me through some

difficult times in life.

I am also thankful for my family and friends,

both near and far. For their love, prayers, kindness,

caring and generosity towards me and my family.

I am satisfied and tired, so I will end by saying...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD Night!!